Pali Adventures Mini Camp is a four day, three night overnight camp in Southern California designed specifically for children ages 6 to 8.
About Mini Camp
Mini Camp is the beginning of something big. It is designed foryounger campers who are ready to take their first step into the world of overnight camp and are excited for a shorter, gently paced introduction. With only fifty campers per mini session and an attentive 3:1 staff ratio, Mini Camp feels warm, personal, and supportive, echoing the same signature magic families return for year after year.
Here, confidence grows in small but meaningful ways. Children are encouraged to try new things, meet new friends, and discover what they are capable of in an environment that feels adventurous and luxurious at the same time. For many families, Mini Camp becomes the perfect bridge into our full Pali Adventures summer program.
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Mini Camp Dates
Why Families Choose Mini Camp
This four-day, three night program is intentionally crafted for campers who may be brand new to sleepaway camp, or have never spent more than a night or two away from home. Mini Camp gives them a complete Pali experience in a timeline that feels manageable and exciting rather than overwhelming.
Parents love it because it blends the magic of summer camp with thoughtful developmental support. Campers love it because every moment feels playful, energetic, and tailored to their age group. It is a safe place for first sleepovers, new friendships, and the kind of small wins that build lifelong courage.
A First Taste of the Pali Adventures Experience
Mini Camp introduces campers to manyofthe same activities that our older campers enjoy, presented in versions that feel fun, achievable, and perfectly suited for younger campers. Each day brings a mix of outdoor adventure, creative exploration, water play, and the joyful Pali silliness we are known for. Campers may climb, swim, create, explore science experiments, try magic tricks, decorate baked treats, paint, dance, and experience a variety of rotating activities that keep each day fresh.
Mini Camp serves as a gentle gateway into the full Pali Adventures program. It gives campers a chance to explore a wide range of activities before choosing a specialty in future summers.
What the Experience Looks Like
Arrival day is designed to help campers warm up quickly. Families join us in the afternoon for check in, followed by a welcome carnival filled with games, inflatables, and arts and crafts. Campers meet their cabin groups, decorate banners, share a snack, and attend a welcome campfire with counselor skits. The first night ends early so everyone can settle in comfortably.
Program days follow a familiar rhythm that keeps campers grounded. Each morning begins with wake up, morning movement, and a themed breakfast. Campers enjoy three activity blocks before lunch, followed by rest hour and a fourth activity in the afternoon. Evenings include dinner, an all-camp activity, time to wind down, and lights out at a consistent time.
Departure morning includes a goodbye breakfast, a final walk to pick up, and a warm send-off from their counselors.
Care, Comfort, and Our Signature 3 to 1 Staffing
Young campers thrive when they feel supported. Each Mini Camp cabin includes three staff members for up to nine campers. This high level of attention allows our counselors to build strong relationships and assist with everything from morning routines to nighttime comfort.
Each cabin team includes a lead counselor with experience working with young children, a high-energy counselor who brings outdoor skills and activity expertise, and a support counselor who focuses on social and emotional well-being. Together, they create a predictable and nurturing atmosphere where campers feel understood, safe, and cared for.
Homesickness Prevention and Emotional Support
We know that the first overnight camp experience can bring nerves for both parents and campers. Mini Camp integrates gentle support from the moment families arrive. Counselors help campers settle into their cabins, introduce them to their bunkmates, and create a welcoming first night. Structured transitions and bonding moments designed with early campers in mind arrive gently and bonding moments designed with early campers in mind.
Throughout the program, counselors lead regular check ins, encourage open communication, and create comforting routines that help campers settle into the rhythm of camp life. They remain attentive to each camper’s needs, responding quickly and the week feeling proud, brave, and eager for more.
Parent and Camper Communication
While campers are fully unplugged during Mini Camp, you will still have several ways to stay connected. Campers can write letters home, and parents can send one-way emails and mail that are printed and delivered to cabins. Families also receive daily photo updates through our camp photo app, giving them a fun visual check in on their campers experience. If you ever need an update or have a concern, our leadership team is only a phone call away.
Daily Photos and End of Session Updates
Families can follow along with their camper’s journey through our daily photo updates through their CampMinder app, offering a warm glimpse into their camper’s adventures throughout the session. At the end of the session, counselors provide a short summary that captures growth, memorable moments, and parenting milestones.
Activities They May Experience
Campers take part in a thoughtfully curated rotation of activities that include rock climbing, archery, swimming, paintball target shooting, arts and crafts, tie dye, culinary fun, magic, gaga ball, dance parties, wacky sports, and giant ball. The schedule is designed to give every cabin a well-rounded mix of adventure, creativity, water fun, and pure Pali joy. While campers may not experience every activity Pali offers, they will enjoy a thoughtful introduction to the broader Pali Adventures experience.
Cabins and Community
Mini Camp feels small and close knit, which is exactly what young campers need. Cabins hold nine campers and three counselors. Staff help with everything from reminders to brush their teeth, get dressed for the day, and settle into healthy routines, to sharing feelings and navigating cabin friendships. This sense of community helps campers feel comfortable and proud of themselves in a matter of hours.
Get Ready for Their First Pali Adventure
Mini Camp is where the Pali journey begins. With only fifty campers per session, we maintain an intimate, supportive environment that fills quickly each summer.
It’s common for families to see a remarkable shift in their child by the end of Mini Camp. When campers discover their confidence and settle into the rhythm of overnight camp, many are ready for a longer stay. If that’s the case for your family, you can extend their experience with an additional Mini Camp session or enroll in another session later in the summer while space remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Four days give campers time to adjust, explore, make friends, and build confidence while still feeling manageable for first timers.
Our counselors are trained to support young campers with patience, reassurance, and predictable routines. Most campers adjust quickly.
Yes, although cabins are grouped by age and gender to protect each child’s comfort and social experience.
All activities are run by trained counselors and instructors who specialize in adapting adventure experiences for this age group.
Mini Camp uses a guided rotation so campers can sample the Pali Adventures experience without feeling pressured to make decisions on day one.
Testimonials
Rose B.
11/01/2025
My kid has gone for two summers now and absolutely raves about how much he loves it. The staff there is always friendly, welcoming and helpful to us parents that have lots of questions. From the admin staff that even invited us to come tour the camp last year before we had signed up for a summer session, to the wellness center staff that helped us with medical questions – everyone there is top tier. Highly recommend Camp Pali Adventures to anyone looking for a safe & fun sleep away camp in the SoCal area.
Jose S.
17/04/2025
My daughter attended Pali for one week in 2025 summer. She’s 10 years old and this was her first time away from Family. She had so much fun! She’s been talking about it non stop since getting home. She made great friends, enjoyed the electives (especially magic!) and made lots of nice art projects in the fine arts elective. Next year she’s asking to do two weeks.
Tracy M.
05/01/2024
This camp does it right! This was our first time and we will definitely send our daughter again. Pali Adventures is super organized, from transportation, checking in, meal time and plenty of fun time! They have very good communication. My daughter came home saying they had the best time of her life!
Chrissi Bennett
09/04/2025
My children have been attending Pali every summer since 2009 and we have never missed a year! Visiting Pali is one of their favorite experiences each and every summer. They have a welcoming place to express themselves, explore their creativity, support one other, strengthen their self-esteem and confidence while working through obstacles and making lifelong friends. Highly recommend!